TRANSPORT chiefs are bidding for a slice of government cash to facelift Ellesmere Port bus station.

They reckon that with the imminent introduction of car parking charges in the town centre, and the success of Cheshire Oaks and the Blue Planet Aquarium, more people will be using the interchange to reach work, school and leisure facilities.

Cheshire County Council's transport co-ordination team has made a bid for a slice of the Urban Bus Challenge, which aims to pump cash into improving public transport facilities in deprived areas.

Nationally, there's £46m up for grabs over the next three years - with £8m available this financial year.

Work would take three years and cost about £80,000. The project would be carried out by a partnership between the borough and county.

A report from county transport co-ordinator Garth Goddard considered by the district public transport liaison committee on Monday evening, says: 'The initiatives will compliment existing facilities and offer passengers an accessible, modern, user-friendly urban interchange.